Gilad Shalit made his first public address on Saturday, thanking activists who had worked toward his release from Hamas captivity.

In a recorded message to the people who rallied for his release for 1,941 days, Shalit said their continued struggle was one of the decisive factors leading to his return.

"I have no doubt that your continued steadfast struggle and support of my family was one of the decisive factors that helped bring about the decision to bring me home," Shalit said in the message, addressing some 300 activists who gathered for a reunion in Kibbutz Shefayim in central Israel.

"I am grateful to all of you – each and every one – and I will continue to be thankful for the rest of my life," he said.

Shalit was released on October 18 after five years in Hamas captivity in a prisoner exchange deal which saw the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Gilad Shalit, Study history and get into politics, Israel needs new
leaders who will seek peace and accommodation with the Palestinians,
Israel cannot go on fighting forever. Gilad, God saved your life, now
you have to save the lives of all Israelis. God bless you.

Activism is a good thing and opens doors of dialogue that wouldn't be
opened otherwise. I am thankful Gilad recognized his supporters and
their selfless sacrifice they have shown toward him. Israel scored
points by negotiating his release from captivity. All in all, I would
say this event has boosted the country's morale. Way to go Israel !

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, and analysis from Israel and the Middle East.
Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict,
the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,
the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.